Dawn of Emberwilde

Who hasn't always dreamed that somewhere in our ancestral family tree sits a wealthy family member just waiting to help us with whatever life is handing out at the moment? Isabel Creston had believed when her father died, she was left alone with her half sister Elizabeth to spend her time at Fellsworth School waiting for the opportunity to work as a teacher or governess for some well-to-do family to hire her. She never dreamed that one day all that would change when Mr. Bradford is sent to retrieve her and Elizabeth from the school to live with her Aunt Margaret and Uncle Charles Ellison in Emberwilde.

Excitement and also a sense of loss accompany the girls as they arrive at the provincial estate surrounded by heavy forests. She hopes this will be the beginning of a whole new future for the two until she overhears her Aunt and Uncle arguing over who might be the best suitor for Isabel as they are dealing with financial ruin and hope that a smart match to the right man might alleviate any more strain on their debts. Rumors abound among the household staff that the Emberwilde forests are haunted with ghosts and one that apparently claimed the life of her mother as she will soon discover.

She is interested in two very different and handsome men. Mr. Bradford who was kind enough to make sure that Isabel and Elizabeth were not rushed into packing too soon before arriving at the new home, and is also in charge of running the Foundling House, which cares for orphans in helping them plan for a new future. Colin Galloway is the town's magistrate and has been hired to look into recent attempts at possible smuggling that might be going on in Emberwilde Forest, land that the Ellison family owns. How will she make the right choice when so many are pressuring to make a decision and both her Aunt and Uncle want her to pick very different men?

I received Dawn of Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation, aside from a free copy of the novel in exchange for my personal and unbiased opinion. This is the second novel in the Treasures of Surrey series, and it makes me want to go back and read The Curiosity Keeper again to see where the tie in lies. It has been far too long between novels to remember, but it seems that perhaps they are simply very different stories in the same area involving different families. With that being said, you don't have to read the first novel to get a sense for what is happening here. I really love this one because it feels as if there is a blend of traditional regency mixed with a bit of fairy tale like Sleeping Beauty or Cinderella. You have Isabel which is removed from what she is used to and envisions a much different life than what she gets. Everything changes for her in one instant when she receives a letter announcing she suddenly has family again. For sure, it would be both exciting and a bit fearful to leave everything you've ever know behind as you hope for a different future for your life. I would rate this one a 4. 5 out of 5 stars and Discussion Questions and a peak at The Curiosity Keeper is included at the conclusion of this novel.

For more information about Dawn of Emberwilde, Sarah E. Ladd or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Dawn of Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd 

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To read more reviews on Dawn of Emberwilde, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page. 

The Curiosity Keeper

What inspired me to really want to read this one, was two fold. First, just the title drew me in, and second was the idea of a great historical romance taking place between the employee of a curiosity shop and an apothecary. Just right there was enough intrigue to make me want to pick this one to review. Not to mention, there hasn't been one book written by Sarah E. Ladd that I didn't LOVE!

Imagine the darkened streets of London, in some of the poorest places. Not one you would want to venture out alone as the lamp lighters begin their tarry of lighting the streets. A worn down curiosity shop sits at the end of the street lit only by candle within as Camille Iverness is finishing up the books for her father. She hopes that one day, she might leave this dreaded part of town and instead head to the countryside for a fresh start at a new life. Once again her father is pushing the finances of what they take in by bringing back paintings which rarely ever sell, but she knows far better than to question how he runs this shop. Ever since her mother left them both, it seems as if her father is lost and feels perhaps that Camille might be the one to blame. Nevertheless, she hopes for a better life one day.

When she hears what appears to be her father at the front door, she attempts to open the door for him, and instead, finds a man who forces his way inside. Asking her where her father is, Camille attempts to convince him, that she doesn't know where he is. The man thinks she is trying to hide his whereabouts and draws a knife on her. Her life is only spared when Jonathan Gilchrist arrives to thwart his attempt. The only drawback is Camille is injured and the reason for Jonathan being there is now invalid. He was hoping to find the man who had stolen a rare ruby known as the Bevoy from his father's home. Legend has it that whomever possesses it is either blessed with curses or blessings. Without it, his father and sister will lose their estate and force them all out on the street. For now, his only concern is for Camille and thankfully, as an apothecary, he can help!

I received The Curiosity Keeper by Sarah E. Ladd compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review outside of a free copy of the novel and the opinions contained are my own. This is such a great novel, because the way it is written, really transports the reader to London, England in 1812. You can feel the sense of the town so accurately described, you aren't just reading this, you are actually there. I love that both of these characters have a past that keeps them from doing what they truly want in life, something I think reader will be able to relate to. Lovers of romance will find this one completely dreamy and you might just need a box of tissues as well, but I will leave it at that. This is the first novel in the Treasures of Surrey series and I can't wait for the next one. There is also discussion guide questions included at the conclusion at this one, just perfect for book clubs. For me, a wonderful 5 out of 5 stars and was something to take my mind off of dealing with a long hospital stay for my daughter.

For more information about The Curiosity Keeper, Sarah E. Ladd or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

The Curiosity Keeper by Sarah E. Ladd

You can find Sarah E. Ladd on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on The Curiosity Keeper, please visit Litfuse Publicity's Book Tour Page.